Best Time to Make a Business Call

Timing is crucial when making a business call since it affects both the likelihood of reaching the intended recipient and the effectiveness of the message. 

When you call at the right time, you reach your recipient when they are ready to talk. However, your call may be ignored or rushed if it is made during busy hours, right before a break, or after work.

When you choose the best time to call, you are also respecting the other person's schedule. This makes sure that you ring them at their convenient time.

Factors such as the purpose of the call, business hours, and industry practices can influence the best time to make a business call. Here is a list of some factors:

Time zones are a key consideration, especially for international calls, as calling during working hours in one region may be after hours in another. The time you find convenient for you might be too early or too late for someone in another region.

People generally have set routines. Individuals find themselves more focused and organized early in the workday, while later in the day, they may be more flexible and open to conversations. 

Lunch breaks can also affect availability. People are less likely to pay attention during lunch breaks, so it is good to avoid business talk during those times.

Different industries have varying busy hours. For example, late mornings or early afternoons may be the busiest in retail and customer service, while corporate sectors may have more open schedules in the late afternoon.

In B2B (business-to-business) calls, professionals may prefer to make calls during work hours, generally between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., whereas in B2C calls, the effectiveness of calls may depend on the availability of customers.

Choosing the right day to make a business call greatly influences the success of your conversation. Generally, midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) is the best time for business calls, as people are less busy than on Mondays and Fridays.

Midweek, specifically Tuesday to Thursday, is the best time for business calls. By then, people have already planned their workweek and are more likely to be focused and productive. They have cleared their Monday backlog and haven’t yet begun preparing for the weekend, so they are more open to taking calls and engaging in meaningful discussions.

Mondays and Fridays tend to be less effective days for business calls. On Mondays, many people are catching up on emails, attending meetings, and organizing their tasks for the week, which can make them less receptive to unscheduled or non-urgent calls. On Fridays, on the other hand, many focus more on completing their work before the weekend or leaving early, making it harder to get their attention.

While weekends and after-hours are generally not the best times for business calls, there are certain exceptions. Weekend calls may be necessary or even expected for businesses, such as retail or customer service. 

Calling after standard business hours can also work if you're reaching decision-makers who are often busy during the day. However, some people find calls on weekends and after-hours unprofessional.

Early mornings (9:00 am - 11:00 am) are productive hours, while lunch breaks (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm) may not be ideal for focused discussions. Late afternoons (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) could be a good time to reach someone for a short discussion.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best times of the day to make business calls:

Early morning is the most productive time for many people, especially decision-makers. During these hours, people are generally fresh-focused and have higher energy levels after starting their day. So, calling between 9:00 am and 11:00 am can increase the chances of holding more engaged and thoughtful conversations, making it a great time for discussing important business matters.

Midday is a great time for making quick follow-up calls or having lighter conversations. By this time, most people have settled into their workflow, and while they might be getting ready for lunch, this period is still suitable for brief discussions. However, be mindful of lunch breaks, as calling too close to lunchtime can lead to rushed or distracted conversations.

Late afternoon can also be a good time for more relaxed and open business talks. This time is great for follow-ups, negotiations, or end-of-day status updates. However, avoid calling too late in the afternoon, as some people may be preparing to leave the office or are mentally checking out for the day.
 

Making business calls can be tricky, and certain mistakes can negatively impact your conversations. Here are some common mistakes that can occur:

Calling at inconvenient times, such as early mornings, late nights, or during busy periods, can lead to rushed or unproductive conversations. It may also disrespect the recipient’s schedule, making it harder to engage them in a meaningful discussion.

People find it a waste of time to engage in unprepared business calls. Without a clear purpose or understanding of the conversation, the call may drift off-topic, leading to missed opportunities or poor communication.

Overloading the recipient with too much information or speaking without a clear focus can make it difficult for them to follow the conversation. It can cause them to lose interest or misunderstand your main points.

Failing to actively listen during a call can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities. It may also make the other person feel undervalued or ignored, damaging the professional relationship.

Not following up after a business call can leave the other party feeling disregarded. It also signals a lack of professionalism and can cause missed opportunities, as important points discussed on the call may be forgotten.

The right time to make a business call greatly increases your chances of success. Consider important factors such as time zones, workday schedules, and industry practices to make more effective and well-timed calls. It helps ensure that your conversations are productive and lead to positive outcomes.

VoIP providers, like Calilio, offer a simple and cost-effective way to make calls anytime, anywhere. With features like call scheduling, it helps you to make the business calls at the right time. Sign Up today.

The best time to make a work-related call is between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM when people are fresh and focused. Mid-afternoon (around 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) is also good for follow-up or less urgent conversations.

It is best to avoid calling before 9:00 a.m., as people may be commuting or settling into their day. However, For most industries, 9:00 a.m. is an appropriate time to start business calls.